I have posted several recipes on this blog for oatmeal cookies. They are all born of the same basic recipe, but each includes one or more variations. I am in search of the recipe that stands out from the rest, but the truth is I love them all!

The recipe that I prepared today is unique. I replaced some of the oil with fresh fruit. In the past I have added applesauce and even grated apples to oatmeal cookies. This time I added fresh pear.

I know that I tend to be obsessed with pears, but they have such a delicate flavor, it can be challenging to find a recipe that they don’t disappear into. Today’s recipe does them justice. It is moist and yummy. Next time I may try plums instead. I was inspired by my most recent watercolor still life painting, which includes pears and plums.  The fruit was ripe, and had to be used!

Oatmeal Fruit Cookie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 13×9 inch glass baking dish.

 In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 large mashed pear (7/8 cup total liquid measure), 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 whole eg, 2 egg whites, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Add combined 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well.

Add 3 cups uncooked oats and 1 cup golden raisins, mixing thoroughly.

Spread the dough in the baking dish using waxed paper. Bake 20-25 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

 Cool before cutting. Makes 24 bars.